Bellatrix from p.313 of Star Names , Richard Hinckley Allen, 1889. Gamma (γ) Orion , Bellatrix, is a pale yellow star marking the left shoulder of the Hunter. Bellatrix, the Female Warrior, the Amazon Star, is from the translation, rather freely made in the Alfonsine Tables , of its Arabic title, Al Najid, the Conqueror. The 13th century Persian astronomical writer Al Kazwini had this last, but the 15th century Tartar astronomer Ulug Beg said Al Murzim al Najid, the Roaring Conqueror, or, according to the 17th century English orientalist Thomas Hyde, the Conquering Lion heralding his presence by his roar, as if this star were announcing the immediate rising of the still more brilliant Rigel (β, the largest star in Orion ), or of the whole constellation of Orion . This Murzim occasionally appears in our day as Mirzam, which is also applied to both of the stars beta (β) in the two Dogs ( Canis Major and Canis Minor - Mirzam and Gomeisa ) as heralds of Sirius and Procyon .

The 10th century Persian astronomical writer Al Sufi had Al Ruzam, which the 17th century English orientalist Thomas Hyde said was another of the very many Arabic words for the lion, but Beigel thought it also a reference to the camel, another roarer. Still it is well to remember in this connection the German astronomer Ideler (1766-1846)'s remark that "etymology has full play with a word which has not traveled beyond astronomical language,"—a statement equally applicable to very many other star-names. The 17th century Dutch astronomer Caesius cited Algauza from the name for the whole constellation of Orion . This star gamma (γ Bellatrix) marks the left shoulder of Orion, and naturally shared the Arabs' Mankib, and the Hindus' Bahu, titles of the star alpha (α Betelgeuse ) on the right shoulder of Orion and forearm of the Stag. In Amazon River myth Bellatrix is a Young Boy in a Canoe with an old man {p.314}, the star Betelgeuse , chasing the Peixie Boi, a dark spot in the sky near Orion .

Alpha ( Betelgeuse ) with this star gamma (Bellatrix) and lambda ( Meissa ) were the Euphratean Kakkab Sar, the "Constellation of the King", or Ungal - which portended fortune, martial honors, wealth, and other kingly attributes. In astrology it was the natal star of all destined to great civil or military honors, and rendered all women born under its influence lucky and loquacious; or, as old Thomas Hood said, "women born under this constellation shall have mighty tongues." [ Star Names , Their Lore and Meaning, Richard Hinckley Allen, 1889]. The astrological influences of the constellation Orion Legend: The giant Orion was created out of an ox-hide by the Gods, Jupiter, Neptune and Mercury, at the request of Hyreus who had entertained them. He was blinded by Oenopion (the name means "wine-faced") for having raped Merope, Oenopion's daughter, but recovered his sight by exposing his eyes to the rising sun. In consequence of his boast that he could slay any beast bred upon the earth the scorpion ( Scorpius ) was brought forth and Orion died from its sting.

[Robson * , p.55.] Influences: According to Ptolemy the bright stars with the exception of Betelgeuze and Bellatrix are like Jupiter and Saturn. It is said to give a strong and dignified nature, self-confidence, inconstancy, arrogance, violence, impiety, prosperity in trade and particularly by voyages or abroad, but danger of treachery and poison. It was thought by the Romans to be very harmful to cattle and productive of storms. By the Kabalists it is associated with the Hebrew letter Aleph and the 1st Tarot Trump "The Juggler." [Robson * , p.55.] The astrological influences of the constellation Orion given by Manilius: "Near neighbor to the Twins ( Gemini ), Orion may be seen stretching his arms over a vast expanse of sky and rising to the stars with no less huge a stride. A single light marks each of his shining shoulders, and three aslant trace the downward line of his sword: but three mark Orion's head, which is imbedded in high heaven with his countenance remote.

It is Orion who leads the constellations as they speed over the full circuit of heaven." [p.35.] " Orion will fashion alert minds and agile bodies, souls prompt to respond to duty's call, and hearts which press on with unflagging energy in spite of every trial. A son of Orion's will be worth a multitude and will seem to dwell in every quarter of the city; flying from door to door with the one word of morning greeting, he will enjoy the friendship of all." [ Astronomica , Manilius, 1st century AD. p.305.] The astrological influences of the star Bellatrix According to Ptolemy Bellatrix is like Mars and Mercury; and, to Alvidas, Mercury and Mars in good aspect. It gives great civil or military honor but danger of sudden dishonor, renown, wealth, eminent friends and liability to accidents causing blindness and ruin. If prominent in a woman's map it makes her loquacious and shrewish, and gives a high-pitched, hard and sharp voice.

[Robson * , p.145.] If positive properties can be drawn out, will lead to advancement and success, but those who succeed always have to allow for being surrounded with envy and hatred. Quick decision making, thoughts and plans being realized with energy, courage, fighting spirit, strategic talents, ability to organize, discrimination. Reckless aggressiveness of a belligerent daredevil. [ Fixed Stars and Their Interpretation , Elsbeth Ebertin, 1928, p.33.] Associated with marriage for money and honors followed by reverses. [ Larousse Encyclopedia of astrology ]. Great courage, but a tendency to fight futile or lost causes if it is not well aspected. [ The Living Stars , Dr. Eric Morse, p.134.] If culminating: Quarrels, hatred, fraud committed or suffered, forgery, swindling, coining and perjury. [Robson * , p.145.] With Sun: Vacillating, changeable, indecisive in business, mechanical ability, riches and honor but final ruin, blindness by accident, disease, extreme sickness, fevers or violent death.

[Robson * , p.145.] With Moon: Luxury, lust, vain ambition, waste, ruin, blindness by accidents, great power, honor and wealth, honor in martial matters, as soldier, surgeon, metal worker; may attain distinction through courage. [Robson * , p.145.] With Mercury: Honor and preferment in military matters, favorable for friendship and social affairs. [Robson * , p.146.] With Venus: Much suffering through love affairs owing to unrestrained feelings. [Robson * , p.146.] With Mars: Strength, energy, success as soldier, surgeon or metal worker, liable to accidents. [Robson * , p.146.] With Jupiter: Philosophical and religious mind, hypocrisy, may be fanatic, legal prominence, and great honor but danger of slander. [Robson * , p.146.] With Saturn: Secluded and studious life, reserved, thoughtful owing to lack of interest, poverty at end of life, often single but if married the partner may die young, no children.

[Robson * , p.146.] With Uranus: Mental disturbance, much activity, occult or unpractical interests, repeatedly suffers through the same mistakes, disharmony with relatives and neighbors, successful in the occupation of making peculiar machinery but little financial gain; unfavorable for domestic matters, many minor accidents. [Robson * , p.146.] With Neptune: Keen intellect, extremist, little forethought or balance, many quarrels, ability for mercantile pursuits, associated with companies connected with patents or electrical instruments, bad for marriage or partnership, many unexpected events, fairly good for gain, many narrow escapes but eventual violent death. [Robson * , p.146.] References: Rigel The history of the star: Rigel from p.312 of Star Names , Richard Hinckley Allen, 1889. [A scanned copy can be viewed on this webpage ] Beta (β) Orion , Rigel, is a double star, the 7th brightest star in the sky, 0.3 and 8, both bluish white in the left foot of the Hunter (west foot).

Algebar and Elgebar are seen in poetry for this star, but it universally is known as Rigel, from Rijl Jauzah al Yusra, the Left Leg of the Jauzah (Jauzah was the Arabic title for Orion ), by which extended title the Arabians knew it after the word Jauzah had become a personal title; the modern name first appearing in the Alfonsine Tables of 1521. These say of it, in connection with Eridanus : "Lucida que est in pede sinistro: et est communis ei et aquae: et dicitur Algebar nominatur etiam Rigel." The Italian astronomer Riccioli (1598-1671) had Regel; the 17th century German astronomer and ephemeris creator Schickard, Riglon; and English writer on globes John Chilmead (circa 1639), Rigel Algeuze, or Algibbar.

The 10th century Persian astronomical writer Al Sufi gave the earlier popular name Ra'i al Jauzah, the Herdsman of the Jauzah (i.e. this star beta β, Rigel, is the Herdsman), whose camels were the stars alpha (α Betelgeuse ), gamma (γ Bellatrix ), delta (δ Mintaka ), and kappa (κ Saiph ); and Al Najid, the Conqueror, which also was given to alpha (α Betelgeuse ) and gamma (γ Bellatrix ). The 14th century Greco-Persian astronomer Chrysococca termed it (Greek) Pous didumon, the Foot of — i.e. next to — the Twins ( Gemini ); and the 17th century German astronomer Bayer, the Hebrew Kesil, of the constellation. The English astronomer Smyth (1788-1865) wrote that "independent of the "nautis infestus Orion " character of the constellation, Rigel had one of his own; for it was to the astronomical rising of this "marinus aster" in March, that St. Marinus and St.

Aster owe their births in the Romish calendar." He gave, however, no explanation of this, and these saints certainly are not familiar in any stellar connection. Possibly its "marine" character came from its location at the end of the River Eridanus , and from its being given in the various editions of the Syntaxis and in the Alfonsine Tables as common {p.313} to both constellations ( Orion and Eridanus ); although the supposed stormy character of the whole group in affecting navigation may have induced the epithet for Orion 's greatest star (although figured as beta Rigel is a larger star than alpha; Betelgeuse ). Astrologers said that splendor and honors fell to the lot of those who were born under it. In the Norsemen's astronomy Rigel marked one of the great toes of Orwandil, the other toe having been broken off by the god Thor when frost-bitten, and thrown to the northern sky, where it became the little Alcor of the Greater Bear ( Ursa Major ). [ Star Names , Their Lore and Meaning, Richard Hinckley Allen, 1889].

Rigel might be the part of Orion that was stung by the Scorpion. Orion boasted that he would exterminate all the animals on Earth, and was punished for his brazenness by the Goddess of Earth, Gaia, who sent a giant scorpion and ordered it to sting Orion. As mighty as Orion was, after only a brief battle, the scorpion managed to deliver the hunter a deadly sting on the heel, and believed by some to be in the position of this star which is also said to be in the heel : "On the western heel of Orion, the Hunter, rests brilliant Rigel." The astrological influences of the constellation Orion Legend: The giant Orion was created out of an ox-hide by the Gods, Jupiter, Neptune and Mercury, at the request of Hyreus who had entertained them. He was blinded by Oenopion (the name means "wine-faced") for having raped Merope, Oenopion's daughter, but recovered his sight by exposing his eyes to the rising sun. In consequence of his boast that he could slay any beast bred upon the earth the scorpion ( Scorpius ) was brought forth and Orion died from its sting.

[Robson * , p.55.] Influences: According to Ptolemy the bright stars with the exception of Betelgeuze and Bellatrix are like Jupiter and Saturn. It is said to give a strong and dignified nature, self-confidence, inconstancy, arrogance, violence, impiety, prosperity in trade and particularly by voyages or abroad, but danger of treachery and poison. It was thought by the Romans to be very harmful to cattle and productive of storms. By the Kabalists it is associated with the Hebrew letter Aleph and the 1st Tarot Trump "The Juggler." [Robson * , p.55.] The astrological influences of the constellation Orion given by Manilius: "Near neighbor to the Twins ( Gemini ), Orion may be seen stretching his arms over a vast expanse of sky and rising to the stars with no less huge a stride. A single light marks each of his shining shoulders, and three aslant trace the downward line of his sword: but three mark Orion's head, which is imbedded in high heaven with his countenance remote.

It is Orion who leads the constellations as they speed over the full circuit of heaven." [ Astronomica , Manilius, 1st century AD. p.35.] " Orion will fashion alert minds and agile bodies, souls prompt to respond to duty's call, and hearts which press on with unflagging energy in spite of every trial. A son of Orion's will be worth a multitude and will seem to dwell in every quarter of the city; flying from door to door with the one word of morning greeting, he will enjoy the friendship of all." [ Astronomica , Manilius, 1st century AD. p.305.] The astrological influences of the star Rigel According to Ptolemy and Lilly it is of the nature of Jupiter and Saturn, but later authors consider it favorable and similar to Jupiter and Mars. Alvidas likens it to Mercury Mars and Jupiter. It gives benevolence, honor, riches, happiness, glory, renown and inventive or mechanical ability.

[Robson * , p.197-198.] If Rigel is conjunct with the Sun, Moon, MC or Ascendant, quick rise in life is promised on account of a strong, inherent will power, love of action, and a lucky hand in enterprise. A continuous battle to retain an acquired position has to be waged. This fight at the same time stimulates an increase in vigor. Even in spite of unhelpful aspects, success and reaching the set aim can be secured by this powerful concentration. If however the native is not cautious or has an attack of weakness, failure and disappointments, a fall from success will follow. Tradition regarding the influence of Rigel is quite contradictory, implying again that the cosmogram must be fully analyzed. After the first world war, at the time of the first transatlantic flights, Elsbeth Ebertin noted a connection of Rigel to the Sun and Moon, in charts of several world record pilots, leading to sudden difficulties in the carrying out of planned enterprises resulting in failures to reach the set target.

[ Fixed Stars and Their Interpretation , Elsbeth Ebertin, 1928, p.32.] If Rising: Good fortune, preferment, riches, great and lasting honors. [Robson * , p.198.] If culminating: Great military or ecclesiastical preferment, anger, vexation, magnanimity, much gain acquired by labor and mental anxiety, lasting honors. [Robson * , p.198.] With Sun: Bold, courageous, insolent, unruly temper, hasty actions, bloodshed, many enemies, great good fortune, military success. [Robson * , p.198.] With Moon Much worry and disappointment, injuries to life and fortune, sickness, ill health or death to wife or mother. [Robson * , p.198.] With Mercury: Scientific, prominent position in connection with Mercurial matters or in science. [Robson * , p.198.] With Venus: Honors or favors in middle life, good and influential marriage especially if female. [Robson * , p.198.] With Mars: Unruly, ingenious occupied with mechanical matters, great military preferment.

[Robson * , p.198.] With Jupiter: Great legal or ecclesiastical preferment, many journeys, benefits from foreign affairs, favorable for marriage. [Robson * , p.198.] With Saturn: Benefits from elderly people, clergy and lawyers, just, discriminative, good for legacy and inheritance, domestic harmony, good health, long life. [Robson * , p.198.] With Uranus: Scientific, romantic, interested in antiquities, fame through historical or geological discoveries, probably in an unexplored country, friendships formed in a peculiar way abroad, many adventures and narrow escapes, early love disappointment, favorable for marriage after 30, death through some trivial accident abroad. [Robson * , p.198.] With Neptune: Kind, energetic, scholarly and active mind, position under Government or at the head of some learned institution, cautious, reserved, resourceful, prompt, diplomatic, occult interests, success, public prominence, domestic harmony, natural death.

[Robson * , p.199.] References: Rigel | star | Britannica.com Rigel Betelgeuse Rigel, also called Beta Orionis, one of the brightest stars in the sky, intrinsically as well as in appearance. A blue-white supergiant in the constellation Orion , Rigel is about 870 light-years from the Sun and is about 47,000 times as luminous. A companion double star , also bluish white, is of the sixth magnitude . The name Rigel derives from an Arabic term meaning “the left leg of the giant,” referring to the figure of Orion. Rigel and the Witch Head Nebula (right). NASA/STScl Digitized Sky Survey/Noel Carboni Learn More in these related articles: star (astronomy) any massive self-luminous celestial body of gas that shines by radiation derived from its internal energy sources. Of the tens of billions of trillions of stars composing the observable universe, only a very small percentage are visible to the naked eye. Many stars occur in pairs, multiple systems,...

constellation in astronomy, any of certain groupings of stars that were imagined—at least by those who named them—to form conspicuous configurations of objects or creatures in the sky. Constellations are useful in tracking artificial satellites and in assisting astronomers and navigators to locate... Orion (constellation) in astronomy, major constellation lying at about 5 hours 30 minutes right ascension and 0° declination, named for the Greek mythological hunter. Orion is one of the most conspicuous constellations and contains many bright stars. One of these, Betelgeuse, a variable star, is easily... 3 References found in Britannica Articles Assorted References stars of Orion (in Orion (constellation) ) External Links Rigel - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up) The seventh brightest star in the night sky is Rigel, or Beta Ori. It is one of the 57 stars of celestial navigation and the brightest star in the constellation Orion. Orion is situated on the celestial equator and is visible from almost any part of the world. Located approximately 10 degrees south of Orion’s belt, Rigel marks Orion’s left heel in depictions of the great hunter.

Rigel is situated diagonally across from the red supergiant star Betelgeuse, which marks Orion’s right shoulder. Rigel is at its highest in the sky on January 25 at 10:00 PM when viewed from the middle latitudes. Article History Corrections? Updates? Help us improve this article! Contact our editors with your feedback. MEDIA FOR: You have successfully emailed this. Error when sending the email. Try again later. Edit Mode Submit Tips For Editing We welcome suggested improvements to any of our articles. You can make it easier for us to review and, hopefully, publish your contribution by keeping a few points in mind. Encyclopædia Britannica articles are written in a neutral objective tone for a general audience. You may find it helpful to search within the site to see how similar or related subjects are covered. Any text you add should be original, not copied from other sources. At the bottom of the article, feel free to list any sources that support your changes, so that we can fully understand their context. (Internet URLs are the best.) Your contribution may be further edited by our staff, and its publication is subject to our final approval. Unfortunately, our editorial approach may not be able to accommodate all contributions.

Submit Thank You for Your Contribution! Our editors will review what you've submitted, and if it meets our criteria, we'll add it to the article. Please note that our editors may make some formatting changes or correct spelling or grammatical errors, and may also contact you if any clarifications are needed. Uh Oh There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later. Close Date Published: August 21, 2012 URL: Access Date: January 20, 2017 Share Orion Constellation: Facts About the Hunter Orion Constellation: Facts About the Hunter By Kim Ann Zimmermann | July 19, 2012 04:46pm ET MORE While the Orion constellation is named after the hunter in Greek mythology, it is anything but stealthy. Orion, which is located on the celestial equator, is one of the most prominent and recognizable constellations in the sky and can be seen throughout the world. Orion is the brightest and most beautiful of the winter constellations. Some of its stars, including Betelgeuse and Rigel, are among the brightest stars.

Credit: Starry Night Software Locating Orion the Hunter Orion is clearly visible in the night sky from November to February. Orion is in the southwest sky if you are in the Northern Hemisphere or the northwestern sky if you are in the Southern Hemisphere. It is best seen between latitudes 85 and -75 degrees. Its right ascension is 5 hours, and its declination is 5 degrees. Alnilam, Mintaka and Alnitak, which form Orion’s belt, are the most prominent stars in the Orion constellation. Betelgeuse, the second brightest star in Orion, establishes the right shoulder of the hunter. Bellatrix serves as Orion's left shoulder. The Orion Nebula —a formation of dust, hydrogen, helium and other ionized gases rather than a star—is the middle "star" in Orion’s sword, which hangs off of Orion's Belt. The Horsehead Nebula is also nearby. Other stars in the constellation include Hatsya, which establishes the tip of Orion's sword that hangs off the belt, and Meissa, which forms Orion's head. Saiph serves as Orion's right knee. Rigel forms the hunter's left knee.

With one exception, all of the main stars in Orion are bright young blue giants or supergiants, ranging in distance from Bellatrix (243 light-years) to Alnilam (1,359 light-years). The Orion Nebula is farther away than any of the naked eye stars at a distance of about 1,600 light-years. One light-year is the distance light travels in a single year, about 6 trillion miles (10 trillion kilometers). The exception is the star Betelgeuse, which is a red giant and one of the largest stars known. It is also the only star in the sky large enough and close enough to have been imaged as a disk in the Hubble Space Telescope. Observers with a keen eye should be able to see the difference in color between Betelgeuse and all the other stars in Orion. [ Space Photos: Orion Nebula & Other Stunning Views ] The stars Alnilam, Mintaka and Alnitak form Orion’s belt.

Credit: Martin Mutti, Astronomical Image Data Archive Mythology There are several versions of the myth of Orion, but one of the more common iterations is that Orion proclaimed himself to be the greatest hunter in the world, much to the dismay of Hera, the wife of Zeus. She had a scorpion kill him, and Zeus put Orion into the sky as consolation. In another version, Orion is blinded for raping Merope, a granddaughter of the god Dionysis. He has to travel East to seek the sun's rays to recover his sight. While the name Orion is steeped in Greek mythology, many cultures have been influenced by the story of this constellation. Orion has also associated with the Egyptian Pharaoh of the Fifth Dynasty called Unas. In Hungary, Orion is known as (magic) Archer (Íjász), or Scyther (Kaszás). Scandinavians refer to "Orion's belt" as Frigg's Distaff. — Kim Ann Zimmermann Constellations ancient and modern grace the skies year round. Let's see what you know about the star patterns that appear overhead every night.

Star Lore of the Constellations: Orion the Hunter 16S 7N Orion lies in the opposite part of the sky to Ophiuchus but, like him, is centered on the equator and visible in all parts of the world. The hunter's head protrudes between Taurus the Bull and Gemini the Twins, whilst his feet rest at the end of the River Eridanus, above Lupus the Hare. There are many variations in the myth of Orion but the most consistent classical myth claims that he was born at the request of Hyrieus, who asked for a son in return for his hospitality to the gods. Jupiter, Neptune and Mercury obliged by passing urine on a bull's hide which was then buried for nine months. (The original name for the child was Urion which afterwards became Orion.) The child grew up to be a giant warrior; mighty and brave but also handsome. He fell in love with Bacchus's daughter but was blinded by her father whilst in a drunken stupor and only regained his sight after traveling to the furthest east and exposing his eyes to the light of the rising Sun.

Orion later became the lover of Artemis, goddess of hunting, but offended her with his boast that he could hunt and destroy any creature on the Earth. Artemis conspired with a scorpion to prove the boast false - hence, unafraid of any mighty beast Orion was defeated and killed by a lowly scorpion with its deadly sting. Afterwards Artemis, beset by grief, begged Jupiter to place her belated lover in the sky opposite to Scorpio - so that he might escape in the west whenever his murderer rose in the east. [1] Orion was mentioned in the works of Homer, who referred to its rising in May and setting in November. [2] Both were notorious amongst classical authors for their association with wind, rain and stormy turbulent weather. Such meteorological conditions reflect the overall characteristics of the constellation for it is known to cause many upsets and disturbances, though with the kind of qualities in its natives which enables them to persist against all odds. Said Manilius: - Orion will fashion... hearts which press on with unflagging energy in spite of every trial.

[3] Manilius appears to have made an error in recording the position of Orion, claiming that it rose with the 10th degree of Aries. Yet his description of the constellation is accurate: Near neighbour to the Twins, Orion may be seen stretching his arms over a vast expanse of sky and rising to the stars with no less huge a stride. A single light marks each of his shining shoulders, and three aslant trace the downward line of his sword; but three mark Orion's head, which is imbedded in high heaven with his countenance remote. It is Orion who leads the constellations as they speed over the full circuit of heaven. At his heels follows the Dog, outstretched in full career. [4] The brightest star is Betelgeuze, the name a degenerated form of the Arabic title Ibt al Jauzah, 'the Armpit of the Central One', from its position near the right shoulder. This is a 1st magnitude, variable, reddish star which is reputed to convey martial honours, fortune and wealth.

The 17th century astrologer William Lilly commented that when it is located with the Sun, Moon or Jupiter in the 10th house it promises "ample fortune and great honour"; and when the midheaven is directed to the position of Betelgeuze the native will be: Wholly inclined and taken up in Martiall affaires, with so great art, judgement and dexterity of Conception, that he will find out many admirable Stratagems; by means whereof, he doth rise to an high esteem amongst souldiers and witty men, and therein shall have chiefest praise: it inclines the Native to frame rare Engines for War; as also, for any other matter. [5] Ptolemy recorded the influence of the bright stars in Orion as like Jupiter and Saturn, with the exception of the stars in the shoulder (Betelgeuze, Bellatrix), which he noted to be of the nature of Mars and Mercury.

This is in keeping with Betelgeuze's ruddy colour which has been proposed as the foundation of its stormy and generally unpredictable reputation, and portrays a planetary nature as relevant to the carnage of war as the military honours, strategic planning, engineering and sharp wit referred to above. [6] The other most notable star in Orion is Rigel, whose name derives from the Arabic phrase, Rijl Jauzah al Yusra, 'the Left Leg of the Tyrant', later shortened to Rijl, 'the foot'. This is a bluish, 1st magnitude star and although listed as less brilliant than Betelgeuze, it often shines brighter due to the former's variability. Ptolemy listed it like Jupiter and Saturn.

It is famed for giving honour accompanied by responsibility - as illustrated by Lilly's description of the midheaven directed Rigel: By the command of some grave Prince, the Native is instituted the Leader or Conductor of an Army, or of Souldiers, his Manners become sharp, angry or testy, fearlesse, imperious, magnanimous, it may afford him (if not capable of Warfare) preferment from the Church, very gainfull, which notwithstanding will much crush and weary his Body with the infinite toyle and labour thereof so that it denotes his Honour or Command to be burthensome, and not worth acceptance. [7] Vivian Robson mirrors Lilly in claiming that it gives "Great military or ecclesiastical preferment, anger, vexation, magnanimity, much gain acquired by mental anxiety, lasting honours" when culminating, but is otherwise a star whose general influence denotes "benevolence, honour, riches, happiness, glory, renown and inventive or mechanical ability". [8] Bellatrix, 'The Female Warrior', is a 2nd magnitude, pale yellow star on the left shoulder.

Ptolemy recorded its nature as like Mars and Mercury and, again, its influence is to promote civil or military honours. It has a particularly beneficial influence for women, though it is said to make them loquacious - or as the 16th century astronomer Thomas Hood wrote: women born under this constellation shall have mighty tongues. [9] If badly placed there is a danger of sudden dishonour and ruin, particularly when the Moon is directed to the star, which Lilly noted as a portent of waste of substance and fortune. Robson adds to this, quarrels, hatred, fraud and perjury. [10] Saiph is the bright star marking the right knee of Orion. The name derives from Saif al Jabbar, 'the Sword of the Giant', because of its proximity to the sword that hangs from Orions's waist. This star, and Hatsya (from Na'ir al Saif, "the Bright One in the Sword") located at the tip of the sword, both bring an emphasis to the fearless but intemperate qualities of the constellation.

Mintaka, Alnilam and Alnitak are the three 2nd magnitude stars situated on the 'belt' or 'girdle' of Orion. Mintaka, from Al Mintakah, 'The Belt', is the most western and therefore the first to rise. It is associated with good Fortune and a keen intellect. According to Lilly, this pale violet star sharpens the understanding, memory, and makes men industrious. [11] Alnilam, the centre star of the three, is a bright white star connected with gluttony, gains from inheritance and fleeting public honours. Its name comes from Al Nathan, 'The String of Pearls' from the bullions set in Orion's Belt. Lilly notes that when the ascendant is directed to this star: It produceth utility from the Dead, or a considerable portion from the means of an Inheritence; gaine by joviall persons; it imports the Native to be grave and severe, yet entangled in the snares of Love, with alteration of the temperature of Body by his excesse in Gluttony.

[12] Other stars of note include Tabit, the northern star at the top of the shield that Orion holds before him. Its name derives from Al Thabit, 'Endurer', possibly alluding to the defensive nature of the shield; and Ensis, the nebula that marks the sword-sheath. Although unremarked upon by Ptolemy in his Tetrabiblos, like most nebulas it is generally accorded an influence like Mars and the Moon. According to Robson it causes "blindness, defective sight, sickness, accidents, and a violent death". [13] With its brilliant stars and distinctive bow-tie shape, Orion is the most easily recognized constellation. It can be seen from all parts of the world, but being close to the equator is only visible in northern latitudes in winter and early spring. Seven bright stars form the main outline with three in a line for the belt - Mintake, Alnilam and Alnitak - surrounded by four more bright stars: reddish Betelgeuze and Bellatrix forming the shoulders, and Rigel and Saiph - forming the legs.

Being so easy to locate, Orion is a good starting point for identifying other notable stars and constellations. If an imaginary line is extended through the belt to the south east it meets with Sirius from Canis Major. In the opposite direction it meets Aldebaran, the bright red 'southern eye' of Taurus. A line extended eastwards across the shoulders will locate Procyon from Canis Minor (it completes an equilateral triangle with Sirius and Betelgeuze). A line extended from Rigel through Betelgeuze will meet with Castor and Pollux from Gemini, to the north east. North of Orion lies a pentagon of stars which mark the constellation Auriga, the brightest of which is Capella. The Sun crosses Rigel around 7th June, Bellatrix around 11th June, Alnilam around 14th June and Betelgeuze around 19th June each year. Notes & References: Transit Date of principal star: 20 December Orion is the master of the winter skies. He lords over the heavens from late fall to early spring, with his hunting dog Sirius trailing at his feet.

The mythic tales of Orion go as far back as the Hittites, who flourished from the Second Millenium BC to around 1200 BC. One story from this culture gives an interesting account of Orion's death. Here he is called Aqhat, and was a handsome and famous hunter. The Battle-Goddess Anat fell in love with Aqhat, but when he refused to lend her his bow, she sent another man to steal it. This chap bungled the job, and wound up killing Aqhat and dropping the bow into the sea. This is said to explain the astronomical fact that Orion and the Bow (an older version of the constellation) drops below the horizon for two months every spring. Like all myths borrowed from several sources over a great length of time, the Greek stories offer many variations. Generally speaking, Orion was known as the "dweller of the mountain", and was famous for his prowess both as a hunter and as a lover. But when he boasted that he would eventually rid the earth of all the wild animals, his doom may have been sealed. It might have been the Earth Goddess herself who sent the deadly scorpion to Orion.

Or possibly Apollo, concerned that Orion had designs on his sister, Artemis. Thus Apollo may have told the Earth Goddess of Orion's boast. In any case, it seems clear that it was the Earth Goddess who sent the scorpion on its mission. Some stories have the scorpion killing Orion with its sting. However the general consensus is that he engaged the scorpion in battle but quickly realised its armour was impervious to any mortal's attack. Orion then jumped into the sea and swam toward Delos. But Apollo had witnessed Orion's struggle with the scorpion and would not let him escape so easily. He challenged his sister Artemis, who was an excellent shot, if she could hit that small black object far away in the sea, the head -- he told her -- of an infamous and treacherous villan. Artemis struck the object with her first shot. She then swam out to retrieve her victim's corpse, and discovered she had killed Orion. Artemis implored the gods to restore his life, but Zeus objected. So she put Orion's image in the heavens. In his eternal hunting, Orion is careful to keep well ahead of the scorpion.

In fact Orion has disappeared over the horizon by the time Scorpio rises in the east, as it becomes his turn to rule the evening sky. Finding Orion should be no problem. Its stars are some of the most familiar in all the heavens. Question: can you name the three stars that make up Orion's Belt. (Answer below.) Above the belt, slightly to the left, is Betelgeuse, alpha Orionis. Betelgeuse, the right arm of Orion (or "armpit" as the name suggests), glows with a dull red. Although labelled alpha Orionis, it is less bright than beta Orionis (Rigel), in the opposite corner of the constellation, to the southwest. Yet if slightly less bright, it is much larger, estimated at around 250 Suns. If one were to replace our Sun with Betelgeuse, its size would completely engulf the Earth and extend as far as Mars. As the brightest star in Orion, Rigel ranks as the seventh brightest star in all the heavens, just behind Capella. It is a visual binary; its companion is much fainter, but quite visible if you are persistent enough (PA 202�, 9.4").

The other corners of the constellation are formed by Bellatrix (gamma Orionis) and Saiph (kappa Orionis). It was once thought that all women born under the sign of Bellatrix would be fortunate and have the gift of speech. The star's name is often translated as Female Warrior or Amazon, and another name sometimes seen is "Amazon Star". The constellation's main feature is of course the three stars which form the "belt" across the middle of Orion: from west to east Mintaka, Alnilam, and Alnitak. Even the Bible makes reference to this famous group. God, while pointing out how all-powerful he was, is purported to have asked Job if he (Job) was able to "loose the bands of Orion" (Job 38.31). The last of these stars is also known as zeta Orionis, and is a well known triple star system. The primary is a blue-white star, and its companion (165�, 2.3") is a dull red. Close by, just to the south, is the renowned Horsehead Nebula, a so-called dark nebula that is not visible in scopes but quite spectacular in long-exposure photographs.

Binary stars in Orion: [NOTE: This section has been updated in the Binocular Section; see the link below] There are many double stars in this constellation visible in small telescopes. Below are several selected from a wide list. Beta Orionis (Rigel) has a 10.4 visual magnitude companion at 202� and a wide 9.5" separation. This is a fixed system. Lambda Orionis (between Betelgeuse and Bellatrix) is another fixed binary, with a 5.5 companion at PA 43� and 4.4" away. Theta1 is a complex system of fixed stars. The four brightest form The Trapezium , an outstanding multiple system for small telescopes. AB is at a position angle of 32� and separation 8.8", AC: PA 132�, 12.7", and AD: PA 96�, 21.5". Theta2 is also a fine binary, a triple system to the southeast of The Trapezium. Component B is a binocular object: 6.4 magnitude at a position angle of 92� and separation 52.5".

Component C (8.5) is even wider: PA 98� and separation 128.72". Sigma Orionis is one of the few orbiting binaries found in Orion. Component B has an orbit of 158 years and is one of the few components that traces a not-quite-perfect circle. That's to say, we see it nearly face on, as a wheel spinning around its hub. The separation never changes much from its current distance of only 0.2". Its 2000.0 position angle is 132�. Much easier to resolve is component E, with a visual magnitude of 6.7, this is a binocular object at a position angle of 61� and separtion of 42". Zeta Orionis (1.9, 4.0) has a very slow orbit of 1509 years, and is currently at 165� and 2.3" separation. Variable stars in Orion: A dozen stars in this constellation are visible in small scopes, but most of them are of the EA type of eclipsing binaries, which change very little.

These include two stars of the Trapezium (theta 1A and 1B). EA variables are old stars, nearing the end of their evolutionary process. The companion has grown to the size of a subgiant, perhaps equal in size to its primary. But their luminosities are quite different; thus, as the dimmer companion revolves around its primary, variations in the total brightness occur. The maximum brightness occurs of course when the two are not eclipsed, with each one adding its luminosity to the total output. Two minima also occur: the principal minimum is when the companion blocks out the primary; while a secondary minimum occurs when the companion is eclipsed by the primary. The only interesting Mira-type regular variable is U Orionis, which usually has a brightness of 4.8 but every 368.3 days it drops down to 13. In 2000 the minimum is scheduled to occur on 5 December. Deep Sky Objects in Orion: M42, The Orion Nebula is perhaps the most photographed deep sky object in the heavens, a vast nebula of gas and dust exquisitely lit by surrounding stars.

This is a celestial nursery; soon (that's to say, in several hundred million years) young stars will appear from this wealth of cosmic matter. Inside the nebula is the fascinating four-star system known as The Trapezium: theta 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D - four stars held together by common gravity (actually at least two other stars are part of this complex system.) They are visible in medium sized telescopes and, with the nebula, form one of the most beautiful binary systems in the heavens. M43 (NGC 1982) is a detached part of the Orion Nebula, with a ninth magnitude central star. A dark lane of gas separates M43 from M42, although the two are actually part of the same vast cloud. M78 (NGC 2068) is a faint reflection nebula NE of Alnitak (zeta Ori), that looks best in long-exposure photographs. The Horsehead Nebula is an intriguing and devilishly difficult dark nebula found just between zeta Orionis and sigma Orionis, visible only in long-exposure photographs. For a more detailed appreciation of Orion, visit the Binocular Section.

Return to the previous page: Or go to All files associated with The Constellations Web Page are © Richard Dibon-Smith. Rigel: Orion's Brightest Star Rigel: Orion's Brightest Star By Elizabeth Howell, Space.com Contributor | September 19, 2013 06:16pm ET MORE Light from the star Rigel reflects off the dust composing the Witch Head Nebula. Credit: Rogelio Bernal Andreo / NASA Rigel is a blue supergiant that is the brightest star in the constellation Orion (the Hunter). The star is only 10 million years old, compared to the sun's 4.5 billion, and due to its measured size and brightness it is expected to end in a supernova one day. It also has two known companions, Rigel B and Rigel C. The star is variable and is considered an Alpha Cygni-type star. (Alpha Cygni is the scientific name for Deneb, the prototype star for this kind of variability.) Its luminosity is so bright that it shines and scatters in an adjacent nebula, called the Witch Head Nebula,which is about 40 Earth-sun distances or astronomical units away.

In science fiction, Rigel's name is on a a number of planets in the Star Trek universe, is mentioned in The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, and also features in a number of novels, computer games and comic books. Rigel before modern astronomy Rigel's name comes from an Arabic phrase, Rijl Jauzah al Yusrāʽ. It means "the left leg of the Jauzah," according to Richard Hinckley Allen's "Star Names: Their Lore and Meaning." It is also sometimes translated as "the left leg of the giant," reportedly referring to the constellation Orion , of which Rigel forms a part. Rigel is more properly known as Beta Orionis. Scandinavian folklore said that Rigel indicated one of the large toes of Orwandil; the thunder god Thor broke off the other toe when it was frost-bitten, according to a report recorded by Allen. In Japanese culture, Rigel is sometimes called Genji Boshi and a bright red star in Orion — Betelgeuse — has the name of Heike Boshi.

Those names hearken back to the Heian era (794-1192) in Japan, according to an online account by Steve Renshaw and Saori Ihara . (A later version of the account was published in the "Kyoto Journal" in 2000.) "The legendary war that brought the somewhat artistic and gentle Heian era to a close took place between the Taira (Heike) and Minamoto (Genji) families," the authors wrote. "The colors of Taira were red, and the colors of the Minamoto family were white. Ultimately, the Minamoto (Rigel) family won the war and moved the capital to Kamakura, ushering in an era of Samurai warriors and leading to centuries of little true peace ... These two bright stars of red and white still do battle with the steepes of the belt holding them apart." Though they look serene and silent from our vantage on Earth, stars are actually roiling balls of violent plasma. Test your stellar smarts with this quiz. 0 of 10 questions complete Star Quiz: Test Your Stellar Smarts Though they look serene and silent from our vantage on Earth, stars are actually roiling balls of violent plasma.

Test your stellar smarts with this quiz. 0 of Start Over | More Quizzes Locating Rigel Rigel is today known as a class B supergiant. It's close to zero magnitude in Earth's sky, making it a bright star . But Rigel is also intrinsically luminous, shining with the equivalent light of 85,000 suns, according to astronomer Jim Kaler . Its radius is 73 times that of the sun. Rigel's location is: Right ascension: 5 hours 14 minute 32.3 seconds Declination: -8 degrees 12 minutes 6 seconds Rigel to astronomers Astronomers believe the star is about 10 million years old and that later in its life, it will likely transform into a red supergiant (just like Betelgeuse) and eventually explode into a supernova, Kaler added. "If and when it does go, it would appear to us as bright as a quarter moon," Kaler wrote. Rigel also has two distant stellar companions, Rigel B and Rigel C – a binary system.

At the ninth magnitude, the combined light of these stars would usually be enough for most telescopes to pick up, but they are too close to the bright Rigel to be easily visible. Rigel's bright starlight also bounces off a nebula some 40 light-years away, as shown in a picture published in 2012 on NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day website . "The blue color of the Witch Head Nebula and of the dust surrounding Rigel is caused not only by Rigel's intense blue starlight, but because the dust grains scatter blue light more efficiently than red," NASA wrote. "The same physical process causes Earth's daytime sky to appear blue, although the scatterers in Earth's atmosphere are molecules of nitrogen and oxygen." Rigel in science fiction The name "Rigel" is a popular planetary name in "Star Trek," with references to it popping up in multiple versions of the series. The earliest mention of it was in the original 1960s-era pilot, "The Cage", which referred to Rigel VII.

Although that episode did not actually air until the 1980s, Rigel VII and much of the footage from 'The Cage" was used in the two-part episode, "The Menagerie." A few other uses of Rigel: In Douglas Adams' "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy," Rigel (presumably it is Rigel, as the name "Orion Beta" is used) was the site of madranite mining belts. Several computer games of the 1980s and 1990s, such as "Rescue at Rigel,""Rigel's Revenge" and"Duke Nukem II." A Season 2 episode of "The Simpsons," "Hungry Are the Damned", where the family is temporarily kidnapped by a couple of aliens from Rigel IV. In comic book series such as "Justice League," "Thor," "Transformers" and "Monty." Author Bio Elizabeth Howell, Space.com Contributor Elizabeth Howell is a contributing writer for Space.com who is one of the few Canadian journalists to report regularly on space exploration. She is pursuing a Ph.D. part-time in aerospace sciences (University of North Dakota) after completing an M.Sc.

(space studies) at the same institution. She also holds a bachelor of journalism degree from Carleton University. Besides writing, Elizabeth teaches communications at the university and community college level. To see her latest projects, follow Elizabeth on Twitter at @HowellSpace . Elizabeth Howell, Space.com Contributor on Latest on Rigel: Orion's Brightest Star

Question: The stars Rigel and Bellatrix are in which constellation?
Answer: ORION